Passenger Killed After Car Slams Concrete Barrier on I-78 Exit Ramp.
Deadly Overnight Crash in Newark
NEWARK — A late-night drive on Interstate 78 turned fatal when a vehicle attempting to exit the eastbound lanes lost control and smashed into a concrete barrier, killing a passenger and critically injuring the driver. The violent crash happened just after 2 a.m. on the Exit 57 ramp, a sharp curve known to challenge even familiar drivers.
How the Crash Happened
State Police say the vehicle entered the ramp at a speed too high for its tight geometry. As the car approached the curve, it drifted across the pavement, the driver lost control, and the vehicle slammed head-on into a concrete barrier. The impact crushed the passenger side of the car, causing catastrophic injuries to the 28-year-old Plainfield man riding inside. First responders pronounced him dead at the scene.
The driver, a 26-year-old from Elizabeth, survived but was found barely responsive in the crushed vehicle. He was rushed to University Hospital, where he remains in critical condition. Investigators have not yet determined whether speed, distraction, impairment, or mechanical failure contributed to the crash.
Hours-Long Investigation at Exit 57
Troopers shut down the ramp for hours as they marked skid trails, measured the angle of the impact, and collected debris. Early observations suggest excessive speed on a dangerous ramp, particularly at night when visibility is limited. Drivers familiar with the area say the curve comes fast and leaves little room for correction if entered too quickly.
The Victim and the Aftermath
For the passenger, the ride was supposed to be routine. Instead, it became the last moments of a life cut far too short. Friends describe him as loyal, calm, and deeply rooted in his Plainfield community. His sudden death has left family members devastated and searching for answers.
The driver now faces a long recovery and the possibility of legal consequences depending on the findings of the ongoing investigation. Authorities have not ruled out any factors and say the full reconstruction will determine whether charges are appropriate.
A Pattern of Dangerous New Jersey Ramps
The tragedy reflects a familiar and dangerous pattern across New Jersey highways. Exit ramps, especially those on major interstates like I-78, often require drivers to drop their speed dramatically in seconds. Misjudging the curve or braking too late can cause instant loss of control.
Concrete barriers are designed to stop vehicles from entering oncoming traffic or falling from overpasses, but when struck head-on at high speed, the results are often fatal. Traffic experts warn that nighttime driving increases risks significantly due to fatigue and reduced visibility.
A Stark Reminder for New Jersey Drivers
The crash is another reminder that New Jersey’s roads do not forgive mistakes. A familiar route can turn deadly with one wrong move. Drivers are urged to slow down before entering ramps, stay alert during late-night travel, and avoid distractions that can turn split-second misjudgments into irreversible tragedies.